It's a far better value than M _ _ $ _ _ R.

I am admittedly a novice when it comes to audio equipment...but I know what my ears tell me. Before I bought this cable, I had the basic RCA cables that come in the DVD player box. I thought my surround sound system sounded good...after plugging this cable in, the good sound quality has improved leaps and bounds (and I am not kidding here).

Sounds now go precisely into the surround speaker it was meant to go to...the sound is much cleaner and definitely in the proper location. When I had the RCA cables, the "surround" effect also wasn't as good...now, it is no doubt perfect.

Buy this cable...it improves sound quality 10 fold...plus it is much cheaper than the bigger name.

As I've come to notice, it seem that the only cables out there where the Monster cables. Not true. The great news is, for a cheaper price and without sacrificing quality, the Acoustic Research cable is the perfect match for those of us who are watching our money and want a good quality product.

If you have a DVD player (mines an RCA...) that has an optical audio plug and a stereo receiver that receives optical audio, don't wait any longer!! Stop using those RCA left and right plugs and buy an optical cable.

The AR HT181 cables will expand you're listening please due to the fact that every speaker in your system (front: left/right, back: left/right, Center & subwofer) will receive it's own independent audio signal creating incredible audio effect and enhance your listening pleasure to any DVD movie.

To try and be super technical about these cables and compare them to Monsters is overkill and every room has it's own unique acoustics. The point being . . . if you're looking for a digital optical cable and are looking for a good price these should be an excellent choice.

The construction of the cables are good. They are well packaged and protected with plastic caps on the tips (remove before using) and they fit snug and properly into the jack on my DVD and stereo receiver.